How to Prepare for a Trip to Maresias in High Season

From December to February and on long holiday weekends, Maresias becomes one of the most sought-after destinations on São Paulo's North Coast. It's when the beach is at its liveliest, restaurants fill up and every planning detail makes the difference between a smooth trip and one full of surprises.

If you're planning a family trip or a getaway for two during this period, we've put together a practical guide so you can arrive in Maresias with everything sorted and enjoy every moment without worrying about what you left behind.

Book Ahead — Lodging and Tours

In high season, the best-located inns with full amenities sell out fast, especially those offering a heated pool, breakfast included and parking, all essentials when traveling with kids. The same goes for boat trips to the islands and guided hikes, which have few spots per departure on the busiest days.

Practical tip: book your lodging at least 60 to 90 days in advance for long holiday weekends and summer, and confirm your tours before you even travel.

Plan Your Budget Before You Leave Home

Family travel gets expensive fast, especially when there are extra charges for children or high nightly rates at larger resorts. To avoid budget surprises, work out ahead of time:

• The cost of lodging, taking into account breakfast and included perks
• Fuel and tolls for the trip there and back
• An average amount for eating out and extra tours, such as a boat trip to the islands or a hike with rappelling

Inns that already include breakfast and parking in the nightly rate make it much easier to keep your plans on track, with no hidden charges at the end of the trip.

Keep an Eye on Traffic and Your Arrival Time

On the busiest days of high season, the roads to São Paulo's North Coast get congested, and the drive can take much longer than usual. A few simple tips will spare you most of the stress:

• Avoid leaving São Paulo on Friday evening or at the start of long holiday weekends. The further from rush hour, the better.
• Bring entertainment for the kids in the car, expecting slower traffic.
• Save the route to the inn on your phone before you leave, so you don't depend on a cell signal on the mountain road.

Pack for the Weather and Your Family's Routine

Maresias has days of strong sun and also windy, cooler moments, even in summer. A well-planned suitcase makes the routine easier:

• Plenty of swimwear, sunscreen and insect repellent, especially if your outings include hikes or waterfalls
• Something warmer for the evenings and for windy days at the lookout
• Basics for the kids (common medicines, extra changes of clothes, beach toys), which get pricier and harder to find on the busiest days

Choose Lodging That Handles the Logistics for You

This may be the most important point for families traveling in high season: arriving and feeling that everything is already taken care of. Breakfast included, parking and a setting designed for both adults and children make all the difference when the destination is busier than usual.

At Pousada Villa Blu, these details are already part of the experience: a heated pool for cooler days, a lookout to enjoy the sunset as a family, breakfast included and a loyalty program with cashback for those planning to return. It's all designed so your family can arrive in Maresias and focus only on enjoying it.

Make Room for Special Moments, Even When Town Is Busy

High season doesn't have to mean rushing around. Booking tours ahead of time, choosing off-peak hours for the beach and having a peaceful base to rest between outings are the secret to enjoying Maresias without the fatigue of constantly chasing parking spots and waiting in lines.

Ready to plan your next trip? Explore the rooms at Pousada Villa Blu and enjoy genuine hospitality even on the busiest days in Maresias.